Mine.
Fuck.
“Red, I didn’t realise you would be here.” Augustine stood to the side, along with a large security guard. “Fighters are supposed to remain in their quarters until the next game,” he said, failing to hide his annoyance with a slight pinch of his eyebrows.
Kace blinked, forcing himself back into the room, his muscles rigid as he fought the urge to kill. His beast tore and shredded inside his mind as Eva disappeared out of view, immediately calming once she moved into the room too.
With her there it gave him time to breathe, time to think.
“Mr Storm,” Augustine said with a professional smile, dismissing Kace. “I thought I would personally congratulate you on your win.”
Riley returned the professional smile, his mind still connected to Kace’s. Soothing, or at least trying to. “Always bet on your own,” he said with a grin, and only those who knew him well could hear the stress in his tone.‘We will save him, K. But if you react with violence right now, you will kill him,’he added telepathically.
Riley was right, but Kace was beyond words, only managing a jagged nod.
Augustine’s smile tightened. “Unfortunately, despite your generous offer, I must tell you your bid to buy Unit 4576 has been denied.”
Xander flicked his gaze to Kace, but he remained exactly where he was.
“I’ll double the offer,” Riley said.
“He’s not for sale,” Augustine replied smoothly. “You are unable to buy the winning Units. When he loses, you’ll be able to make your offer then.”
Riley reached for his glass, seemingly relaxed despite the underlying tension. “I’ve bought a winner before.”
“Exceptional circumstances, and we both know I was not present the last time you graced my establishment with your presence. Now, I’m happy to discuss this further over a drink, and maybe we can discuss your fighter in a little bit more detail?”
Riley sipped the edge of his glass. “Sure, I could use the company. Let’s hope the next couple fights last longer.” He clicked at Xander, who took his position up as Riley’s security. It was all a con, giving the illusion Augustine expected. In reality Riley could easily defend himself, being one of the most dangerous men in the city.
Augustine smiled, sitting in Xander’s vacant leather chair. “Floyd,” he said, lounging back. “Escort my fledgling back to our bedroom and get us a bottle of whisky. We may be here a while.”
Eva stiffened, and only because Kace was staring did he notice the slight tremble in her lip. “I know my way back,” she said, her tone strained. “I don’t need an escort.”
Augustine gave her a pointed glare. “We all know what happened to your last escort.” When she remained where she was Augustine chuckled. “Fine, we shall see if you can be trusted. Go, before I change my mind.”
Eva dropped her gaze to the floor. “Master,” she said as Kace let out a growl, unable to stop the sound.
Mine.
Chapter22
Eva
Eva had waited. Five minutes. Fifteen. At thirty she couldn’t wait any longer, walking the tunnels until she descended to the fighters’ quarters. She knew Kace had left the executive suite not long after her, but he hadn’t found her like she had anticipated.
This is bullshit,she thought.I don’t chase after fucking boys.
She hadn’t expected to see him so soon after the first game, his face creased with such rage that she almost didn’t recognise him. His attention had been intense, his eyes burning along her skin as she checked out the wounds on his chest, the slices deep and raw.
He was more hurt than she initially thought.
Anxiety wrapped its icy fingers around her throat, turning her lungs to cement. She stopped just as she pushed open the door to the locker room, hesitating. He probably didn’t want to see her.
Shit.
Well, sheneededto see him. He was the only chance she had to escape, so he needed to suck it up.
Please, please, please be alone,she prayed to herself, hoping the other fighters had already moved on.Please, to whoever created this shit-show that’s my life, let me have this one thing.
